# Evaluator Pack

**Version:** 3.1

This page is designed to be forwarded internally. It answers: what is Shelfbot, is it a fit, what do we need to provide, and what will we get back?

## What is Shelfbot?

Shelfbot is a **Goods-to-Person ASRS** (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) designed for real warehouses with high SKU counts, space constraints, and the need for predictable performance.

**Key features:**
- Each aisle has one robot and one station at the end
- Operators walk between stations (up to 5 per operator) as bins arrive
- Retrofits into standard AS4084 steel storage racking (4–10 m high)
- No onboard batteries (mains-powered)
- Barcode-guided picking for accuracy
- API integration with your WMS/ERP

**What it replaces:** walking aisles to find items, manual bin retrieval from height, low-density ground-level storage.

**What it doesn't replace:** pallet-level storage, loose-pick carton flow, heavy items over 20 kg per bin or 5 kg per item.

## Is Shelfbot a fit for your operation?

| **Good fit indicators** | **Why it matters** |
|--------------|-------------------|
| **High SKU count** (500+) | More SKUs = more bins = better storage density payback |
| **Small-to-medium items** | Max 20 kg per bin, 5 kg per item. Fits most e-commerce, apparel, health/beauty, electronics, spare parts |
| **Existing manual picking** | Walking time, ladder access, and accuracy issues are what Shelfbot solves |
| **Growth pressure** | Need more storage or throughput without building extensions |
| **Order throughput** | 100–1,200+ presentations/hour (scales with robots and stations) |
| **Space constraints** | Vertical storage (up to 10 m) and high-density racking increase capacity without expanding footprint |

| **Boundary conditions** | **Constraint** |
|-------------------|----------------|
| **Item weight** | Max 5 kg per item, 20 kg per bin |
| **Item size** | Must fit in an 820 × 420 × 285 mm bin |
| **DG / flammables** | Not permitted unless explicitly approved by fire engineer |
| **Temperature** | 5–55°C operating range |
| **Racking standard** | AS4084 compliant steel storage racking, per the [Racking Specification](/docs/racking-specification) |
| **Integration** | Requires API access to WMS/ERP for products, inventory, orders |

> **Practical note:** If 60–80% of your SKUs fit in Shelfbot bins by size, you can run a hybrid model: ultra-fast movers stay on traditional pick faces, or oversized items stay in standard racking. Slow movers are often ideal for Shelfbot, stored deep in high density and retrieved only when needed.

## What you need to provide for sizing

The fastest path to a confident design is a **data dive**: you send us data, we send back sizing, configuration, and coverage estimates.

**What to send:**
- SKU master (SKU, description, dimensions, weight, stock on hand)
- Order history (date, order ID, line ID, SKU, quantity; 12 months preferred, minimum 30 days)

Format and submission details are owned by the [Data Dive Specification](/docs/data-dive-specification). Optional but helpful: current floor plan, peak periods, growth targets, integration constraints.

> **Confidentiality:** We'll sign an NDA if required. Data is used only for sizing and deleted after the engagement if you don't proceed.

## What you'll get back

Within **5–10 business days** of receiving your data: bin requirement and inventory coverage, racking configuration and footprint, robot and station count for your throughput, and growth scenarios. **See real examples:** [example configurations](/hub/docs/example-configurations).

**What happens next:** a fit check call (30–45 min), an optional site visit, then a proposal and integration scoping.

## Common questions

**How long does installation take?** Typically **4–8 weeks** depending on system size, site readiness, and integration complexity, including commissioning, integration testing, and operator training.

**What's the upfront cost?** Shelfbot is **Robots as a Service**: upfront you pay installation and supply the high-density racking; the monthly subscription covers hardware, support, maintenance, and software updates, and scales per robot (1–96 robots). [View example configurations](/hub/docs/example-configurations).

**What if some SKUs don't fit?** Run a hybrid model (see the practical note above). We'll recommend the best approach in your sizing report.

**Will we need to buy additional racking?** Yes: high-density racking with narrow **1200 mm** robot aisles, built from standard AS4084 compliant steel racking from any Australian supplier. The [Racking Specification](/docs/racking-specification) owns the requirements; see also our [racking partners](/racking-partners).

**What if we don't have an API?** We can start with manual order entry, polling, or scheduled exports, and help scope API development. [Read the integration overview](/hub/docs/integration).

## Ready to start?

Send data for sizing (see above), or book a 30-minute discovery call to walk through fit, configurations, and the commercial model.

**Talk to an engineer:** [sales@shelfbot.com](mailto:sales@shelfbot.com) · +61 3 9069 5000 · [Request site assessment](/contact)

More background: [Product overview](/product) · [How it works](/how-it-works) · [System overview](/hub/docs/overview) · [Specs & site requirements](/hub/docs/specs)

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